I have a 2013 Kia optima lx automatic that has roughly around 122,000 something miles on it and I have never had any major issues before with it. The other day I was driving it up a small hill to work and it sounded like my car was struggling. On the way home it kept having issues going into 3rd gear and when it finally went and got up to 5th gear it was almost impossible for it to come out of 5th gear. It’s not throwing any codes but it is acting like my transmission is slipping. I had a friend look at it and he said that it sounded like I was low on transmission fluid or a shift solenoid was getting stuck. Im worried that it’s the entire transmission. But I can’t check my transmission fluid because for some reason Kia decided not to have a dipstick for transmission fluid. Help please . And if you’re ever in the Clarksville Tennessee area, I would rather have you work on my car than anyone else in this area
So I took it to a mechanic and got my car looked at and come to find out it’s nothing to do with the transmission at all. It’s the catalytic converter. I have to get it replaced. Thank you guys for your help.
Thanks for reporting back. There's no replacement for hands on diagnosis.
But I can’t check my transmission fluid because for some reason Kia decided not to have a dipstick for transmission fluid
You can, but you have to get underneath it an open the check/fill plug. There are several youtube videos that show you how.
That being said, Kia does not make good transmission. I recommend staying away from Korean cars , period.
I had Valvoline flush the transmission fluid in 2019
stay away from quick lube shops, and never flush the transmission. Drain & fill.
But I can’t check my transmission fluid because for some reason Kia decided not to have a dipstick for transmission fluid.
Of course you can check your transmission fluid. It's just more difficult without a dipstick. Has the transmission been serviced regularly?
And if you’re ever in the Clarksville Tennessee area, I would rather have you work on my car than anyone else in this area
Scotty's primary residence is in Clarksville TN, however he is currently spending some time at his secondary location in Rhode Island. See the FAQ for information on making an appointment.
I had Valvoline flush the transmission fluid in 2019 and I get regular oil changes and I changed the spark plugs last summer. I didn’t know who was in the Clarksville area. That’s awesome. Thank you for replying so quickly